Brooke Henderson takes three-shot lead over Nelly Korda, Nasa Hataoka into ultimate spherical of LPGA Event of Champions
Brooke Henderson had by no means performed alongside Annika Sorenstam till this week. Two rounds later, Sorenstam was fast to reward Henderson’s regular, even-keel efficiency.
“I believe that was certainly one of my strengths, numerous fairways, numerous greens,” stated Sorenstam, probably the greatest to ever play the sport.
Henderson has definitely made a robust first impression on the 10-time main winner, taking a three-stroke lead into the ultimate spherical of the Hilton Grand Holidays Event of Champions over Nelly Korda and Nasa Hataoka, who posted a scorching 66 on Saturday that included six birdies in her final eight holes.
Henderson, a 12-time winner on the LPGA, has a 41 p.c success fee on the LPGA when holding the lead.
Henderson referred to as it a privilege to play alongside Sorenstam at Lake Nona Golf and Nation Membership, the Swede’s house for many years. She trails former tennis participant Mardy Fish by 15 factors within the superstar division, which makes use of a Stableford format.
“If I can simply take little items of her recreation and add it to mine,” stated Henderson, “that might be phenomenal.”
What impressed Henderson essentially the most in regards to the 72-time LPGA winner?
“I believe simply the toughness,” stated Henderson. “She’s a tricky competitor, and I actually admire that about her.”
Henderson seems to win the season-opening TOC in her first week utilizing a full bag of TaylorMade equipment at an LPGA occasion.
“I wasn’t as easy on the market as we speak,” stated Henderson of her third-round 69, “however I really feel like we fought it out fairly nicely. I nonetheless was hitting the ball very nicely and giving myself numerous alternatives, so no complaints there.”
A birdie putt on the ninth gap propelled No. 2 Korda to publish 4 extra birdies on the again 9 and shoot 4-under 68. Korda gained the 2021 Gainbridge LPGA at Lake Nona.
“You realize, my fashion of play is fairly aggressive,” stated Korda, “so I wasn’t actually hitting it too nice on the entrance 9. I used to be hitting it wonderful. I used to be simply lacking just about my spot by a few yards right here and there, and clearly, that goes from 10 toes to perhaps 15, 20 toes. Proper there, that’s sort of a bit of little bit of the issue.
“On the again 9, I sort of picked a goal, a bit of bit extra of an aggressive goal and actually dialed into that, and I believe that basically helped.”
Korda’s brother Sebastian will tackle Hubert Hurkacz within the fourth spherical of the Australian Open Saturday evening, however the viewing schedule isn’t very best.
“I believe he is aware of what to do,” stated Nelly, “and hopefully he takes care of enterprise. And clearly good luck, too, yeah.”